since I started being sexually active i often experienced burning in my vagina which was often worse during sex /around the time of my period or when using lubricants. I was never able to use tampons because the one time i tried putting them in it felt like acid was poured on my skin. Fast forward to 2 months ago when I got a UTI and an allergic reaction in my vagina. I thought it …

So 7 years ago I had a case of BV...the antibiotic caused a horrible yeast infection which took 5 months to 'get rid of'. During this time I had allergic reactions to 2 of the yeast infection creams which magnified the pain. Over the past 7 years I've tried multiple rounds of physical therapy (they only slightly helped), chiropractic, nerve blocks, medications to target nerve pain (amitriptyline, …

Hello,
Has anyone had success with this cream in helping their vulvodynia? How long has it taken to help? I’ve had some success with it, but not completely better. I’ve been on it for a month. I️ was hoping to hear from some ladies who have had major success with this cream. I’m hoping for some encouragement here. This condition is so frustrating. I’m lucky enough to have access to two …

After years of being misdiagnosed etc as most women have on this forum I have finally been diagnosed with vulvodynia (yay) and have been given the lowest dose of an antidepressant called Amitriptyline. Has anyone been on this before and has any positive (or negative) news to give me? Im feeling down already and I've only been taking it for a few days, I don't have much hope of it …

I'm new here and wanted to ask for some advice whilst I wait to see a specialist nurse.

After urinary problems which lasted 7 weeks, I finally saw a urologist, who on examination discovered significant inflammation and called in a gynaecologist, who diagnosed vestibulitis. They referred me to a nurse who specialises in vulvar skin issues. That was 5 weeks ago, and I'm still waiting for the …

Hi guys new here and newly diagnosed. So I had bv and then after alot of antibiotics and home remedies I still continued to have weird symptoms despite swabs being negative. Two seperate gynes have told me I have vulvodynia as a result of the area being overwhelmed. So first gave me lidocaine which xidnt do much. No I am on amitriptyline for the past 5 days. Seems to be kicking in a little (im a …

I'm here because I'm pretty sure I have secondary provoked vestibuldynia, even though my gyno is still "optimistic" it is not. My problem started six months ago when I got my second UTI in as many months (after going 25 years of life without one) and then ended up with a bad yeast infection (also my first one ever) thanks to the antibiotics. Ever since the yeast …

Hello everyone. I have recently been diagnosed with unprovoked vulvodynia and would really appreciate some advice and support. I have had a chronic urine infection for 16 months and was on antibiotics for 9 of those months. I have been very uncomfortable for the entire time, but now I have absolutely unbearable stinging and burning all day with itching too. The infection has just about gone, …

Long Story, but I am losing my mind and getting really depressed, so if I tell the full story maybe someone can help me.

Back in August I started to get an itch down there. Normally, in the past, when this would happen, I would change the way I wore my clothes, take more baths instead of showers, and use Monistat. This time, after about two weeks of no relief, I started to get concerned. I was …

I have been married for 3 years to a wonderful husband but during all that time we have not been able to have a sexual relationship. From the first time we tried I felt pain and panicky. After getting some urine infections and thrush my fear became worse and on top of this I feel pain even when a small amount of pressure is put on the entrance of the vagina. I have tried lubricants (which sting) and dilators. I struggle to put anything inside due to fear and pain. On rare occasions when we have got so far with intercourse the pain is so intense I can't go any further.I have been to the doctor and to a sex therapist which didn't help me. I am really not sure what to do - does anyone have advice??

I am so sorry to hear about how painful it has been for you. I don't know your age and what you have tried but i have been able to find some relief after 24 years of this living hell. I have a list of problems longer than my arm but this awful pain given to us women just plain sucks more than anything else in my life. I have not been intimate with my husband for 1 year and I miss him so much. You must have a special partner that is no doubt as frustrated as you deep down. I got on hormones years ago after going to many doctors and trying everything (without luck). I know that testosterone was instantly helpful but it is not a long term thing since it can level out. You have to see a compounding specialist for special hormones (creams). I use what's called the Wiley Protocol which I'm sure has a website. A doctor developed it and it is hormone cream. Your vagina is dry and hurting which is similar to going through menopause. I have to pay cash for it since it is compounded by a special pharmacy and not covered by insurance. If you want more info I can help you. I use estrogen and progesterone and they also make testosterone (gave me sex back for a while). I am sorry for your pain. I am sitting here in excruciating pain myself for some reason. I either wore something too tight or ate too many cookies yesterday. I am starting to think there is a connection with the sugar and yeast. This is my very first post btw. I just had to reach out to you. Hope today is better. Sincerely, Julie

I'm sorry to hear about the pain you're feeling. Vulvodynia (VV) is truly a curse. I'm young, but I've tried a lot of things to help ease my pain. Theres a couple of things you can change in your daily routines that may be able to give you some relief. One thing you can try is changing your underwear to 100% cotton. The cotton helps keep moisture away from your "area" keeping it vented. This helps keep the yeast away. Second, you could use un-scented soaps on your "area". I found that using un-scented ivory soap is less irritating on my skin. Most of the time women with VV have delicate/ sensitive skin "down there" and soaps with perfumes can be harsh and cause pain. Third, you can freeze a bottle of water and put it between your legs. I used this when I would get the burning feeling. A water bottle works better than an ice pack because it fits perfectly between the legs, especially a small soda bottle. Fourth, you MUST find a specialist. It's rare that a regular gyno knows anything about VV. I went to about 5 doctors before I found the right one. I can be hard to find a specialist in certain parts of the country, or even globally. I'd recommend going to the NVA (National Vulvodynia Association) website and join. Once you're a member you can get a list of recommended doctors in your area that specialize in VV.

I hope I was of some help! I know how hard it is to find information about this. Don't give up!

Hi,You mentioned you have had some urinary infection for which i suppose you have been treated with antibiotics.. Sexual intercourse is also painfull...I have been there. They discovered I had Candida in my urethra and bladder and that caused the pain I was getting and just like you sex was painfull..Candida can cause inflamation in the vagina and that makes sex almost unbearable.

The interesting thing here is that alot of women have previously had a UTI before experience "vulvodynia". Its a strong link between antibiotics and thrush taking over causing most symptoms women are complaining here (painfull sex, pain increasing before and during period when obv acidity of vagina drops making thrush fluorish, pain when sitting down etc etc). Candida is the most common but a couple other not so much and hard to find and treat. Talk to your GP's about the eventuality of having a systemic candida or bladder candiasis.. They can take a swab and check it and so you will know.

Maria..I know many women on here will say that their vulvodynia has nothing to do with an actual infection, i was diagnosed for years with vulvodynia and it turned out to be a long term chronic infection for me...

Please try to find a gynecologist and try some clindesse for atleast 14 days for awhile, just to see if your problem is maybe bacterial, and then try the Gyne Lotrimin 3 day, atleast 3 packages (if you can find it in the stores where you live, its hard to find) if not, its worth it to order it online, you can get it online, and it is cheap..cheaper than Monistat..

Not all yeast creams are created equal! Monistat doesnt even work, for many people..

I know its a long shot, but its worth it to try..I had tried everything before discovering these things after MANY years, prayers, tears to God, and a broken marriage later..